From the small town in Liguria, an area nestled into Northern Italy’s coastline, childhood friends Edoardo Perlo and Stefano de Blasi made their move to Sydney’s shores in 2008. In 2012, as the longing for authentic Italian goods could no longer be ignored, the pair opened their first Salt Meats Cheese restaurant and produce store. Fast-forward to today, Salt Meats Cheese has become a Sydney institution, and now the boys are making their first foray into the bar scene with their new rooftop venue, Bar Ombré.

Perched above Circular Quay - on the fourth level of the Gateway Building - sits this light and bright space. From its rooftop location, Bar Ombré offers a coveted glimpse of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, making it the perfect position to settle in, drink in hand, as the sun sets over the harbour (the bar's namesake, Ombré, speaks to the striking gradient that soaks Sydney’s skies during those hours).

Golden hour seems like the ideal time to visit the new venue, with Happy Hour on everyday between 4pm-6pm. There’s an array of beers, wines and cocktail carafes on offer, followed by an array of truly delicious complimentary bar snacks. The truffled pecorino and smoked olives make the idea to settle in for the night all the more appealing. While for those looking for a more substantial affair, the full Bar Ombré menu offers simple flavours – think daily stretched cheese, cured meats and fresh Ligurian- style home-made pesto. A plate of the San Daniele prosciutto and burrata with grilled eggplant, basil and rocket pesto will satiate even the most authentic Italian palette.

At the heart of Bar Ombré experience is the drinks list, full of both classic and bespoke Italian choices. For the not faint-of-heart try the Smokin’ Nights, a vanilla and grapefruit barrel-aged Negroni made with Averna Amaro, mezcal, Angostura bitters, vanilla syrup, cream topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon.

And as if you needed another reason to visit the new venue. This month, Bar Ombré is doubling as the perfect locale to take in the light displays of Vivid, even if it is through a red wine-tinted lens.